Adios to personal web space

U of M personal web space will be decommissioned June 30, 2013. In preparation for this, new personal web space folders will no longer be created as of Dec. 31, 2012. More information is available here. (Thanks to Grant in IT for this helpful announcement.)

ASR goals and accomplishments

We did some really cool things last year in ASR, and the plan is to keep doing more. Check out our accomplishments from last year, as well as our goals for 2012-13. We work hard to make a difference in students' lives, and that's something special. Go us!

Need a new place to hang?

Scheduling meetings with co-workers on other campuses can be tough. And a conference call can't replace a meaningful face-to-face conversation. So, what to do? A Google+ Hangout, of course! Google+ Hangout is a free video chat service from Google that enables group chats up to 15 people. It's similar to Skype, but allows for a group discussion rather than simply one-on-one. The technology is even so sophisticated that it knows how to focus on the person chatting. How cool is that? (If you don't have a webcam, you can still participate, but people won't be able to see you.)

Staff event videos available soon

The PowerPoints, video of students, and video of the staff event will be available on the ASR intranet soon.

Get ready for some staff appreciation!

The annual ASR staff appreciation event is Thursday, December 20 from 2-4 p.m. at the Library Bar in Dinkytown. Come celebrate the end of another successful fall semester with your co-workers. As always, the event will feature soda, coffee, appetizers, and door prizes! If you want to bring a really sweet door prize to add to the festivities, please bring it with you to the event.

Give the gift of giving

Just a reminder that we are collecting gift cards for the Student Parent Help Center during the month of December. The cards are given to student parents to help them purchase basic necessities, like groceries and diapers. Collection boxes are available in the various ASR buildings.

Stressed? Relief is a click away

It's easy to become stressed at work. Looming deadlines, piles of projects, and then throw in the upcoming holidays, and, well, life can feel a bit overwhelming. Setting progress deadlines, taking a break to walk around campus, not being afraid to ask for help, and planning (and taking!) a fun vacation are just a few ways to combat the stress of the season. Check out some more easy tips to help wind down as work winds up.